The Toca Talking Djembe is one of the most innovative percussion instruments in decades, redefining what a single drum can do. This groundbreaking hybrid blends the deep, resonant voice of a traditional djembe with the expressive, pitch-bending character of a talking drum, creating an entirely new instrument category. The result is a drum that can speak, sing, boom, and cut—often within a single phrase—opening up a world of rhythmic and melodic possibilities.
Shaped like a djembe but equipped with a full talking drum tension-cord system, the Talking Djembe delivers the full power, projection, and tonal depth players expect from a djembe while adding instant pitch control. By compressing the side cords, players can bend notes and create vocal-like inflections in real time, bringing a new level of expression to every performance.
What truly sets the Talking Djembe apart is its versatility. It can be played like a traditional djembe—seated, standing, or on a strap—using familiar hand techniques for slaps, tones, and deep bass. While seated, players can squeeze the side cords with their legs, altering pitch as they play with hands or stick for fluid, speech-like phrasing. It can also be played like a classic talking drum, tucked under the arm and struck with the included curved beater, with pitch controlled by arm pressure on the cords. Each playing method is fully functional, giving percussionists expressive control previously impossible in a single instrument.
The Talking Djembe incorporates the core performance features of Toca’s renowned djembe line. A hand-selected goatskin head delivers warmth, clarity, and authentic tone, while low-stretch Alpine rope with braided cores ensures stable tuning and powerful projection. The lightweight, seamless synthetic shell produces rich bass and crisp rim tones and is available in 10”, 12”, and 14” sizes. A rubber non-slip base provides stability during energetic playing.
Enhanced by Toca’s advanced talking drum technology, the tension-cord system offers a wider tonal range than typical talking drums, allowing for highly responsive pitch control. The included traditional-style curved beater with matching handle wrap completes the setup, enabling skilled players to articulate true speech-like phrasing.
Rooted in tradition yet boldly forward-thinking, the Talking Djembe invites drummers, educators, and creative musicians to explore new textures, new ensemble roles, and new rhythmic languages. It feels equally at home in drum circles, world music, fusion ensembles, classrooms, contemporary percussion settings, and experimental music.
The Talking Djembe isn’t just an evolution—it’s a genuinely new instrument. It blends the soul of the djembe with the voice of the talking drum. The moment you play it, you realize you’re not just getting two drums in one—you’re getting something completely new.
- Hybrid instrument combining djembe power with talking drum pitch control
- Speaks, sings, booms, and cuts within a single phrase
- Full talking-drum tension cord system on a djembe-shaped shell
- Real-time pitch bending through cord compression
- Three playable styles: traditional djembe, seated pitch-control, and under-arm talking drum
- Hand-selected goatskin head for warm, authentic tone
- Low-stretch Alpine rope for stable tuning and strong projection
- Lightweight seamless synthetic shell with deep bass and crisp rims
- Rubber non-slip base for stability
- Advanced tension system for wider tonal range
- Includes traditional curved talking drum beater
- Available in 10”, 12”, and 14” sizes
- Ideal for drum circles, world music, education, fusion, and experimental settings
